Collapsible document storage container

ABSTRACT

A collapsible storage container can include a set of opposing side walls forming an interior concavity. The container can include dividing partitions with a handle or fingerholes. The dividing partition can divide the concavity forms two or more distinct cavities from the interior concavity. Each of the cavities can be able to store or carry objects. The two or more opposing side walls can include a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to the field of storage containers and, more particularly, to a collapsible document storage container.

Offices rely on file folders to organize large amounts of paperwork and maintain efficiency of the office filing system. Traditionally, folders storage solutions such as hanging folders and magazine folder organizers have been utilized. These solutions however have significant disadvantages which often detract from their usability. Hanging file folders must be kept in a hanging storage organizer such as a file cabinet which can be impractical when folders are needed to be rapidly inserted or removed. Further, hanging file folders often allow papers stored in the folder to fall out accidentally. Many times, when a user attempts to insert a paper document into the hanging file folder, the document can slide between the cracks. Additionally, the hooks associated with hanging file folders often catch on a myriad of objects such as user's clothes, furniture, and even other folders.

Magazine folder organizers are frequently used for rapid storage and access of folders. However, moving the organizers when the organizers are filled are often wrought with difficulty as organizers do not allow for portability. Frequently magazine folder organizers lack grab handles, have handles which allow for lopsided carry, and often require two hand carry. As a result, organizers are often left out shelves and/or desks resulting in disarray and disorganization.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention can include an apparatus for a collapsible document storage container. A collapsible storage container can include a set of opposing side walls forming an interior concavity. The container can include dividing partitions with a handle or fingerholes. The dividing partition can divide the concavity forms two or more distinct cavities from the interior concavity. Each of the cavities can be able to store or carry objects. The two or more opposing side walls can include a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes.

Another aspect of the present invention can include an apparatus for a collapsible document storage container. A collapsible storage container including a set of opposing side walls forming an interior concavity. The container can include dividing partitions with a handle or fingerholes. The dividing partition can divide the concavity into two distinct cavities from the interior concavity. Each of the cavities can be able to store or carry objects. The opposing side walls can include a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes. The length of the two distinct cavities can be approximately twenty percent larger than twelve inches or approximately twenty percent smaller than twelve inches.

Yet another aspect of the present invention can include an apparatus for a collapsible document storage container. A collapsible storage container can include two opposing side walls forming a uniform concavity. The uniform concavity can be divided longitudinally into two smaller concavities by a dividing partition spanning the length of the container. The partition can include a handle or fingerholes for carrying the container. The opposing side walls can include a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of embodiments for a collapsible document storage container in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment for a collapsible document storage container in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment for a collapsible document storage container in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is a solution for a collapsible document storage container. In the solution, a document storage container can include an internal dividing partition with an ergonomic handle. In one embodiment, container can be divided into two discrete concavities by dividing partition. In one instance, container can be placed within a larger document box (e.g., sleeve) which can permit stacking or side-by-side placement of like containers.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a set of embodiments 110, 130 for a collapsible document storage container in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Embodiments 110, 130 can be present in the context of embodiment 150, and/or 210.

As used herein, a container 112 can be a storage container for storing or carrying which can include an interior concavity for organizing file folders and/or paper documents. Container 112 materials can include, but is not limited to, corrugated fiberboard, paperboard, plastic (e.g., polyethylene), and the like. In one embodiment, container 112 materials can include recycled materials (e.g., post-consumer materials).

In embodiment 110, an isometric view 111 can illustrate a collapsible document storage container 112 for storing or carrying office folders. For example, container 112 can be utilized to organize folders, files, and paper documents in a vertical manner or horizontal manner (e.g., spine up/down). In one embodiment, container 112 length, width, and/or height can conform to the size of stationary (e.g., common office folders), customized office supplies (e.g., notebooks), and the like. In the embodiment, example, container 112 can be utilized to organize expandable file folders, hanging file folders, two pocket portfolios, and the like. For example, container 112 length can be 15 inches to accommodate two common folder sizes such as legal (e.g., 14.75 inches) and letter (e.g., 11.75 inches).

It should be appreciated that container 112 can include pockets, partitions, and the like to organize smaller office stationary including, but not limited to, index cards, business cards, and the like.

It should be appreciated that container 112 size and/or shape can conform to any arbitrary arrangement. For example, container 112 can be a two section folder holding container with a width of 5 inches, a length of 12 inches, and height of 9 inches able to hold approximately 70 folders. In one instance, container 112 can an increased width (e.g., 10″ width) for storing large quantities of folders (e.g., 140 folders).

It should be appreciated that container 112 cost is insignificant when compared to traditional folder containers. That is, container 112 is extremely low in cost and economical even when large quantities are required.

In embodiment 110, a document storage container 112 can include a dividing partition 117 which can enable the concavity of container 112 to be divided into two separate concavities 120, 122. In one instance, partition 117 length and height can conform to the interior dimensions enabling two discrete concavities 120, 122 to be established. For example, partition 117 can contact the interior base of container 112 and interior side walls of container 112 (e.g., dotted line) to distinctly separate each concavity from the other.

Container 112 can include, but is not limited to, walls 124, 126, 128, 129, ergonomic grip handle 114, partition 117, label regions 113, 118, side face 172, and the like. In one instance, cut-outs 116 can permit easy access to handle 114 of partition 116. In the instance, cut-outs 116 can conform to any shape, length and the like which enable access to handle 114. That is, at least a portion of the wall 124, 126 adjacent and/or surrounding the area proximate to the handle 114 can be lower than the partition height to enable an unobstructed path to the handle 114. For example, the middle region of wall 124, 126 can have a height of 6 inches while the end (e.g., regions near the corners) can have a height of 9 inches. It should be appreciated that cut-outs can symmetrical, asymmetrical, and the like. For example, cut-outs can have a curved shaped similar to a teardrop curve (e.g., a plane curve given by a set of parametric equations).

In embodiment 130, document storage container 112 can be placed into a larger document storage container 134. For example, container 112 can be a removable folder holding insert (e.g., hopper) which can fit into a conventional banker box (e.g., 12 L″×15 W″×10 H″). In one embodiment, size and/or shape of container 112 can permit side by side placement of two or more containers 112 within larger container 134. For example, a container 112 can be placed next to a similar container 132 already in a storage box 134. In one instance, container 112 can permit stacking of like containers. For example, container 112 can be placed on top of a similar container 132 within a larger storage container 134 (e.g., 13 L″×16 W″×20 H″). That is, in one instance, container 112 can be a component of a multi-part storage solution.

It should be appreciated that stacking and/or placement of container 112 is not limited to the arrangement described herein and can include any arbitrary packing configuration. For example, container 112 can be placed on its side (e.g., wall 126 contacting the interior base of container 134 and wall 124 facing upwards) within container 134.

It should be appreciated that container 112 is designed to fit into/with traditional storage solutions including, but not limited to, file boxes, shelves, vertical and/or horizontal file cabinets, moving boxes, desktops, cabinets, laundry room shelves, and the like.

Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. It should be understood that partition 117 can provide structural support to the container 112 when the container 112 is filled. For example, partition 117 can function as an internal brace to support walls 124, 126, 128, 129.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment 150 for a collapsible document storage container in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Embodiment 150 can be present in the context of embodiment 110, 130, and/or 210.

In embodiment 150, a top view 151 can illustrate a collapsible document storage container 112. In one instance, container 112 can conform to a regular rectangle with two long sides 124, 126 and two short sides 128, 129. It should be appreciated that container 112 is not limited to a regular shape and can conform to any arbitrary configuration. For example, container 112 can be a circular document storage container with an internal divider partition 117 forming two semi-circular concavities 120, 122.

In front view 171, collapsible document storage container 112 can be flattened 172. In one embodiment base flap 176 can be removed permitting container 112 to be flattened laterally resulting in front wall 124 and side wall 128 lying parallel to each other and to base flap. That is, the concavity 120, 122 can be dismissed when the container is flattened 172. For example, the container 112 can be flattened to a width of 16.75 inches, 15 inches of height, and ⅛th of an inch in thickness.

Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. It should be appreciated that base flap can be secured by an arbitrary fastening mechanism and is not limited to slot and tab fastening.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment 210 for a blank for a collapsible document storage container in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive arrangements disclosed herein. Embodiment 210 can be present in the context of embodiment 110, 130, and/or 150.

In embodiment 210, a blank 211 for a collapsible storage container can be illustrated. In one instance, dashed lines can indicate score lines and dotted lines can indicate manufacturer joints. It should be appreciated that blank 211 can lack slots. Blank 211 can include a manufacturer joint (e.g., flap 212), interior dividing partition 214, reinforcing flap 218, wall 220, 224, 228, 234, and base flap 226. In one embodiment, flap 212 can include one or more adhesive materials enabling rapid assembly of the blank 211. For example, flap 212 can include a self-adhesive strip which can be rapidly secured to permit user assembly of blank 212. That is, blank 212 can be easily stored and assembled on demand.

In one instance, interior dividing partition 214 can include an ergonomic handle 216 which can include a push flap 217, and a label region 213. In one embodiment wall 220 can include a label region 213, 215, base flap 226. In the embodiment, base flap 226 can include slot 225 and tab 227 which can be secured to tab 232.

In one embodiment, blank 211 can include one or more label regions 213, 215. In one instance, wall 224 can include a lined label region 213 and a circular lined label region 215. In one embodiment, wall 228 can include a lined label region 213 and a circular lined label region 215 and tab 232. In one instance, wall 234 can include lined label region 213 and a circular lined label region 215. That is, in one embodiment, each of the four walls of the container can include writable areas. In one embodiment, circular lined label region 215 can include multiple lines for allowing detailed descriptors to be assigned to container.

It should be appreciated that blank 211 can be a simple continuous design enabling low waste and high efficiency during production. That is, since blank 211 can lack slots, waste from stock can be kept to a minimum.

Drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to limit the invention in any regard. It should be appreciated that blank 211 can include printed bar codes, labels, and graphic designs and is not limited to the exact configuration described herein.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A collapsible container comprising: a collapsible storage container comprising of a set of opposing side walls forming an interior concavity, wherein the container comprises of a plurality of dividing partitions with a handle or fingerholes, wherein the dividing partition divides the concavity forms at least two distinct cavities from the interior concavity, each of the cavities able to store or carry objects, wherein the set of opposing side walls comprises of a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is able to be substantially flattened.
 3. The container of claim 1, wherein the container material comprises of at least one of corrugate, continuous fiberboard, plastic, carbon fiber, canvas, and metal.
 4. The container of claim 1, wherein the storage container is a circular container.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein more than one of the container is able to be placed into a different storage container resulting in the multiple ones of the container being stacked or contiguously adjacent to each other within the interior space of the different storage container.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the container comprises of at least one of an attached lid and a detached lid.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the handle or fingerholes is positioned along the length of the partition to distribute a load from an object within the container is loaded.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein when the base flap is folded back onto the collapsed container, the container forms a substantially solid shape.
 9. A collapsible container comprising: a collapsible storage container comprising of a set of opposing side walls forming an interior concavity, wherein the container comprises of a plurality of dividing partitions with a handle or fingerholes, wherein the dividing partition divides the concavity forms at least two distinct cavities from the interior concavity, each of the cavities able to store or carry objects, wherein the set of opposing side walls comprises of a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the container comprises of at least one of an attached lid or a detached lid.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the container is able to be substantially flattened.
 12. The container of claim 9, wherein the container material comprises of at least one of corrugated fiberboard, plastic, and metal.
 13. The container of claim 9, wherein the storage container is a circular container.
 14. The container of claim 9, wherein more than one of the container is able to be placed into a different storage container resulting in the multiple ones of the container being stacked or contiguously adjacent to each other within the interior space of the different storage container.
 15. The container of claim 9, wherein at least one of the mutually opposing sidewalls includes a region for labeling the container.
 16. The container of claim 9, wherein the handle comprises of a flap which doubles over ontop of the backside of the partition to increases the contact surface area when the handle is gripped.
 17. The container of claim 9, wherein when the base flap is folded back onto the collapsed container, the container forms a substantially solid shape.
 18. A collapsible container comprising: a collapsible storage container comprising of at least two opposing side walls forming a uniform concavity, wherein the uniform concavity is divided longitudinally into two smaller concavities by a dividing partition spanning the length of the container, wherein the partition comprises of a handle or fingerholes for carrying the container, wherein at least two of the opposing side walls comprises of a cutout for permitting access to the handle or fingerholes.
 19. The container of claim 18, wherein multiple ones of the container is able to be placed into a different storage container resulting in the multiple ones of the container being stacked or contiguously adjacent to each other within the interior space of the different storage container.
 20. The container of claim 18, wherein the storage container is a circular container. 